Kim Stedman
Rochester,Kent
Summary
Friendly professional with extensive experience in customer service and administration, recognised for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Demonstrated expertise in delivering exceptional service and identifying opportunities for improvement. Highly organised with effective communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and in-house systems like Manhattan and Insphire.
Experienced buyer used to working in a fast-paced environment and prioritising tasks. Knowledgable about supplier negotiations, inventory management and budget adherence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Buyer
WPC Commercials
Offham, Kent
2024.10 - Current
- Managed the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation and purchasing of goods and services.
- Created purchase orders, monitored inventory levels and managed supplier data.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to secure favourable terms and ensure that quality standards were met.
- Coordinated with our suppliers and our service department to ensure a timely delivery of goods, optimising the time vehicles spent off the road and in the workshop.
- Analysed supplier performance and current affairs to identify cost savings and pre-empting possible events that may impact on supply of goods.
- Maintained accurate records for audit. Raised purchase orders and credits in line with our accounting software. Liased with the accounts department for accurate monthly accounts.
- Liased with internal departments to understand their procurement needs and provide effective solutions.
- Excellent organisational skills. Carried out multiple tasks simutanously and prioritising urgent demands, delegating where necessary.
- Streamlined inventory control with regular stock checks and updates.
- Assessed potential suppliers, ensuring quality and reliability.
- To maintain smooth operations, managed order discrepancies swiftly and professionally.
Administrative coordinator
Wincanton
Rochester, Medway
2024.02 - 2026.03
- Maintained confidential files, ensured data privacy compliance.
- Managed office inventory for optimal productivity.
- Implemented new filing system which improved information retrieval times.
- Uphold stringent quality standards in document preparation and record keeping whilst ensuring attention to detail.
- Achieved timely completion of projects with effective prioritisation.
- Resolved conflicts swiftly to facilitate a pleasant work environment.
- Cultivated a positive work environment through professional communication practices.
- Prepared detailed reports with use of data analysis skills.
- Provided high-quality customer service for enhanced client satisfaction.
- Managed daily office operations whilst ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations including data compliance under GDPR.
- Cultivated relationships with high-volume suppliers to support mutual beneficial working relationships.
- Strengthened traceability and developed organisation systems for records, reports and agendas.
- Created databases and developed spreadsheets to improve inventory management and reporting accuracy.
- Received and screened high-volume internal and external communications and email.
- Instructed employees in company policies and procedures, maximising compliance and consistency in line with both internal and external obligations.
Customer services advisor
Must Have Ideas
Rochester, Medway
2023.02 - 2024.02
- Coordinated efficiently with other departments for issue escalation, facilitating timely solutions.
- Trained new staff on customer service protocols to maintain high standards of service across the board.
- Troubleshot product issues for resolution swiftly and accurately.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website, improving online experience whilst being mindful of certain customers limited abilities.
- Encouraged add-on sales during check-out process, maximising revenue potential.
- Handled customer queries via telephone and email, ensuring clear communication. Provided information for product inquiries leading to increased sales.
- Consistently met targets by effectively handling high volume of calls daily.
- Implemented feedback from customer surveys into practice, enhancing service quality.
- Utilised effective listening skills whilst interacting with customers to understand their needs better.
- Participated in companies internal motivational program and training scheme.
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving complaints.
- Assisted customers with varying questions using product knowledge and service expertise.
Business owner
Dot & Olive's
Rochester, Medway
2022.09 - 2024.02
- Resolved complex business problems by utilising analytical skills.
- Built strong client relationships, leading to repeat business.
- Conducted market research to stay abreast of industry trends and competitors' strategies.
- Innovated product offerings based on customer feedback and market analysis.
- Devised budget plans, cashflow and ensured financial stability of the business.
- Implemented efficient inventory control systems for streamlined stock management.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the business.
- Utilised social media platforms for effective brand promotion and customer engagement.
- Enhanced new product awareness by posting engaging images to social media accounts.
Retail supervisor
Vanilla Retail Group Ltd
Bluewater, Kent
2021.06 - 2022.10
- Achieved smooth workflow by delegating tasks appropriately.
- Coordinated staff schedules for efficient store operations.
- Collaborated effectively with other stores and Head Office achieving seamless store operations.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and security.
- Monitored stock levels to avoid overstocking or understocking issues.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to improve product visibility.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering outstanding service.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly resulting in a peaceful work environment.
- Conducted performance evaluations of staff members leading to improved work quality.
- Handled complicated customer queries adeptly enhancing overall client satisfaction.
- Trained new employees, promoting rapid productivity increase.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations for safer working environment.
- Led team members by example, showcasing exceptional customer service standards through building a rapport with customers to generate repeat sales.
Floor Manager
Monsoon
Bluewater, Kent
2005.09 - 2019.10
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning, contributing to business growth and expansion plans.
- Oversaw staff performance reviews for improved productivity.
- Assisted in stock take procedures, minimising discrepancies and errors.
- Streamlined customer service to enhance shopping experience.
- Managed daily store operations to increase efficiency.
- Dealt with customer complaints promptly, enhancing brand reputation.
- Ensured visual merchandising standards were maintained for an appealing shopfront.
- Addressed customer queries, improving overall satisfaction.
- Implemented health and safety regulations for safer workspace.
- Trained new employees, elevating team performance levels.
- Supported sales team in achieving targets by providing training and guidance about products and services available in the store.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork and communication among staff members and dealt with conflict resolution.
- Reconciled cash takings, card statements and receipts after each shift, noting and rectifying discrepancies.
- Led pre-shift briefings to prepare teams for upcoming challenges and priorities.
- Performed various store operations including opening and closing procedures, product display management and budget control.
- Maintained advanced product knowledge, sharing expertise with team members for improved customer service.
- Guaranteed delivery of first-class customer service, coaching team members to produce positive outcomes.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business & Finance
North West Kent College
Dartford 1996.09 - 1998.06
GNVQ - Business & Admin
North West Kent College
1994.09 - 1996.06
GCSEs - 9 GCSE's Grades A-C
Thamesview School
Gravesend 1990.09 - 1994.06
Skills
- Business administration
- Data Entry
- Employee management
- Inventory control
- Microsoft Office
- Customer service orientation
- Appointment scheduling
- Multitasking and prioritisation
- Organisation and efficiency
Custom
The Rowans, Parental Role as a Member of the Management Committee (School Governor), 2014-2020, I volunteered as a member of the Management Committee at The Rowans. We would meet once a term to discuss finances, adaption of existing policies, new guidelines, pupil performance, welfare factors and staff training and development. During my time with The Rowans, we assisted in the process of changing the school to a Multi Academy and won the right to open a free school for Primary children that would run as a forest school on the basis of a Pupil Referral Unit, taking challenging children for 20 weeks to encourage a change in their behaviour. The Management Committee was pivotal in the planning and development stages of the new buildings and set up. My main role within the Management Committee was to review aspects of teaching and training, covering areas for improvement for Ofsted, training for members of staff as well as reviewing options available to pupils post 16 as we did not have a sixth form.
Timeline
Buyer
WPC Commercials
2024.10 - Current
Administrative coordinator
Wincanton
2024.02 - 2026.03
Customer services advisor
Must Have Ideas
2023.02 - 2024.02
Business owner
Dot & Olive's
2022.09 - 2024.02
Retail supervisor
Vanilla Retail Group Ltd
2021.06 - 2022.10
Floor Manager
Monsoon
2005.09 - 2019.10
Some College (No Degree) - Business & Finance
North West Kent College
1996.09 - 1998.06
GNVQ - Business & Admin
North West Kent College
1994.09 - 1996.06
GCSEs - 9 GCSE's Grades A-C
Thamesview School
1990.09 - 1994.06